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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a list of frequently asked questions on their website.
You can find FMCSA FAQ at this link
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If you still can’t find a related answer, then you are welcome to ask your question in the comments section below.
Q&A
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
What is a waiver or exemption and how can I get one?
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
What do I do with the medical certificate and long form once I get them?
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
PDF Versions of the forms are available at these links on the FMCSA website:
- Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Interstate:
All CMV drivers who operate in interstate commerce are required to have a medical certificate based on FMCSA requirements.
- If they operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross vehicle weight (GCW), or gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 pounds or more.
- If they transport hazardous materials, in a quantity requiring placards.
- If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
- If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from the driver’s normal work-reporting location.
Intrastate:
- Intrastate certification is regulated by the DMV of each state. All states have based their physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions.
- Some carriers e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
No. An Federal DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Interstate) is valid nationwide so you can get certified in any state, no matter which state you have your CDL.
See also: Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
I have a CDL and have been notified to present DMV with a medical certificate or I will lose my driving privileges. I’m not currently driving and may not drive again. Do I need to get a DOT physical just to maintain my license?
For more information see our blog post New FMCSA Medical Certification Requirements.
In order to keep your CDL, some states will allow a CDL holder to certify in a category that does not require a medical certificate e.g. Intrastate Excepted, if they are not currently driving.
You will have to check with your State Drivers License Agency (DMV) to see if they permit this option. This will give you a way to maintain your CDL without a current medical card.
If you want to start driving again, you will first have to get a new medical card, and then visit your DMV, to self-certify in the category that is appropriate for the type of driving you will be doing.
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
A DOT medical card is valid nationwide and can be used by any company so you don’t have to get a new one.
However… There are companies that have a policy in place that states they want you to have the physical exam done by their own examiner. They can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
No. These terms are used interchangeably. They are most often referred to as a DOT medical when referring to the DOT medical card, and DOT physical when referring to the DOT physical exam, and sometimes drivers refer to them as a CDL physical or CDL medical.
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Here are 3 ways to understand the DOT physical requirements.
- The hard way:
Read the FMCSA Rules and Regulations Part 391.41 Physical Qualifications For Drivers - The technical way:
Understand what’s on the DOT long form MCSA-5875, FMCSA DOT Medical Examination Report Form - The easy way:
Read Trucker Docs’ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
The DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test. You will still have to give a urine sample which is used for a kidney screen for potential medical conditions.
However, companies require a pre-employment drug test. So your company may request to have a drug screen done at the same time as you take your DOT physical. Not all medical examiner’s offices that conduct DOT physicals have a drug testing service.
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
Yes, you can get a copy. Just look on your medical card and find the examiner’s phone number. Call and ask for a copy of your medical long form. They may charge you a few bucks for the service, but it’s cheaper than a new examination.
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Call the doctors office that did the original DOT exam and find out what the process is to get a duplicate made and sent to you. The medical office has to keep this information on file for at least three years, so they will have it.
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
Requirements for local drivers (intrastate) are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV if you are a local driver. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you’re a local driver you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)
In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
To best understand what’s involved in a DOT physical, read Trucker Docs™ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card.
See also the FAQ – What are the DOT physical requirements?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
New federal regulations state that starting May 21, 2014, CMV drivers can get medical certificates only from a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified.
(Find a registered CME)
Updated: May 2014
Starting May 21, 2014 you can only get medically certified by a federally certified medical examiner – called a CME or Certified Medical Examiner. That examiner will have a National Registry Number, which must be included on the information on the medical certificate issued to a driver.
Medical professionals who participate in the CME program may be MD, DO, DC, APN, or PA.
The caution here is that even though these professionals are certified by FMCSA, some states will not recognize certain categories of medical professional to qualify drivers within that state. The information we have at this time is: Michigan and Washington do not qualify chiropractic physicians to issue medical certificates for their drivers.
What is a waiver or exemption, and how can I get one?
A waiver or exemption gives a driver temporary relief from a regulation; one of more of the FMCSRs.
FMCSA Exemption Programs are for drivers of CMVs that intend to operate in interstate commerce. A driver may apply for an exemption from any of the standards where the driver can show that safety would not be diminished by granting the exemption. The exemption is granted for up to two years, and may be renewed.
See the FMCSA Driver Exemption Programs for more information and details of how to apply.
Intrastate commerce: FMCSA does not have statutory authority to grant waivers/exemptions to drivers from states’ intrastate requirements. Therefore, the FMCSA waivers/exemptions do not permit regulatory relief for drivers who plan to limit their operations to intrastate commerce.
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
- 2 years if the driver meets all the FMCSA standards (see DOT physical requirements)
- If the driver meets standards, but periodic monitoring is required for certain conditions, a medical certificate will be issued for a limited time period. Depending on those conditions the period could be 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or some other time limit. e.g. Medical conditions stable, on treatment include hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, sleep disorder, conditions qualified under exemption.
- If the driver does not meet FMCSA standards, then medical certification is disqualified. e.g. Disqualified due to medical condition and/or medication, stage 3 hypertension, insulin-dependent diabetes. “Does not meet FMCSA standards” means the driver is not medically qualified at the time of the examination. Until a certified medical examiner makes a determination that the driver is medically qualified the driver is not able to operate a CMV in interstate commerce.
My medical certificate only expires in nine months. What if I recently developed a medical condition that I couldn’t drive. Can I drive truck again now?
Even if you currently have a ‘current’ medical certificate, you are prohibited from driving a CMV with any medical condition that would be disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
A company must a least meet the FMCSA medical requirements. However, company policy may impose stricter standards than those required by FMCSA.
Can my new employer make me get a DOT physical even if my current medical certificate is still valid for another 18 months?
Yes, the employer can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
If you develop a medical condition that may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV, you are disqualified from driving while you have that condition. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.
What do I do with the medical certificate (MEC) and long form (MER) once I get them?
The Driver:
- Carry the original medical card (Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876) with you at all times you are driving.
- Keep a copy of the long form (Medical Examination Report, form MCSA-5875) for your records. Even though DOT regulations state that you only need to carry the medical card with you, you’ll save yourself hassle if you carry the long form as well.
- It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file with their CDL, so make sure you renew the copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate together with your Self-Certification affidavit at your State Drivers License Department. (more info on Self-Certification)
The Company:
- The motor carrier is required to keep a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate in the driver qualification file. Drivers, make sure you provide a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the company that employs you.
Certified Medical Examiners:
- The medical examiner is required to provide the driver with a paper copy of the original Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876.
- The medical examiner is required to keep the original long form and a copy of the medical certificate on file for a least three years.
- The medical examiner is required to enter driver examination results online to the National Registry system for each interstate driver examination. The examination results information is reported whether the examination is completed or not i.e. If a driver leaves the examiner’s clinic during the examination because they do not wish to continue, the medical examiner will report the results as “Incomplete Examination”.
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
Requirements for intrastate drivers are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you drive intrastate you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)
In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
Yes, the driver must have a medical certificate to operate a vehicle being used for commerce. So the truck/trailer and driver must be DOT approved, DOT numbers on the truck and trailer and medical card for the driver. You may want to also check you state DMV regulations.
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
That varies from company to company. Some see it as part of the job and some see it as, “if you don’t have a medical card, you don’t have the job.” These is no set in stone answer.
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Your comments are also welcome.
if someone is on a temporary work visa can they get a DOT card?
@Lovie DA
DOT card / medical certificate to operate a commercial motor vehicle?
Check with the local drivers license department for final confirmation on this issue.
I received a letter from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency stating that there is no record of my CDL medical found and thus they were going to cancel my newly issued CDL Permit. I did have the DOT medical and showed the Alabama DMV my DOT medical card (with no restrictions) in order to be allowed to take my CDL exams. Is it possible the medical information was not yet entered into the Feds DOT system when AL later checked? How soon do CMEs have to enter your medical info into the system after the exam?
@Sg
FMCSA would like to have all test results in by the end of each day, but have allowed up to thirty days for the information input. With the new DOT physicals going live on April 20, 2016 the CMEs are required to input all test results with in 24 hours.
I am a driver in NY and in 2014, I was out on Compensation for 100 days because I hurt my right ankle. the company has over 100 vehicles and trucks. On my return to work. I was asked to get a Physician letter from the Doctor taking care of me on compensation that I would be OK to go back to work.I did!
Does the company have to by law send me for another DOT physical before I drive one of their vehicles?
@Steve
It’s an FMCSA thing. Any situation that takes a healthy driver from behind the wheel for any period of time is required to have a new medical examination to determine medical fitness for duty. So it is not the company but the FMCSA that is making the requirement.
If a driver has failed 2 dot physicals does he have to wait for a third
@Travis
All depends on why he failed the first two times.
Is there a difference in the medical registry between Interstate Drivers and Intrastate Drivers (certified physicians) ? Are intrastate Drivers required to obtain their physical via a certified physician or may they still use their own physicians?
@ Raymond
Depending on the class and the state regulations regarding those class licenses will determine who can do your physical. Check with your local drivers license department and see what they have to say. Since each state is different and the requirements are different, then you really need to check with your state DLD.
I had a physical and a ME card given to me when I started with a company last March….but, I already had a ME card from a previous company that is good through 2017…. But, I just received a notice from MVA stating that my card expired on 3/14/16…. Can u explain this to me?
@ Davar
Your last medical certificate over rides your previous card and was reported to your state, so the state is using the most recent information that they have available.
I have a very urgent question. I’m in idaho and a school bus driver. I have been taking methadone for a couple of years now. I got hired while on it with a note from my doctor saying I was ok to drive a bus. Just a couple weeks ago I was in a n accident which wasn’t my fault. I’m on workmans comp due to whip lash. I went to the doctor and she told me that she was turning me in and my medical card revoked and start an investigation. What happens now? What can I do to keep my card and probably my job?
@ Angela
Just make sure you have a medical release form from your doctor explaining the reasoning behind the present usage of the medications that you are using. You are out on a workers compensation issue and your medical card is void because you are presently unfit for duty. When you are fully healed and recovered and the doctor releases you to return to work, then get your medical release form from your prescribing doctor with the explanation of your properly prescribed meds. The CME needs to understand why you take what you take and what type of driver you are. With all the proper documentation in hand the CME can make a better informed decision.
If my medical card expires on 1-16-16 is it valid through midnight of the 16th?
@ Brett W.
Yes.
i have a driver that was fired 3 mos ago. He is now going back to work, the company wants him to go take a DOT physical. His card is still good, does the company have this right?
@ Mike
It may be a company policy, so if it is, then yes they have the right to make that request and they may even pay for it since it is their request.
What if my medical long form exam date doesn’t match new medical certificate date, do I need to get the long form to mimic the new certificate date?
@Tommy
Both the long form and the medical certificate should match, so go back to the examiner and have them correct the issue.
@ Tommy
Long form is supposed to match medical certificate, otherwise the DOT is going to ask questions and suspect falsification.
Are all DOT Safety Sensitive employees required to take a DOT exam, both CDL and Non-CDL holders?
I have my CDL and my medical examiners certificate. The certificate has a box marked on it that state CDL and the no box is checked. Do I have to have another medical examine so that the new certificate can be mark CDL yes?
@Paulette
Most of the new cards have an intra-state only-yes/no and a cdl -yes/no. So make sure which box is checked. If you run interstate then the intra-state only should be marked no and your cdl box should be marked yes. If that is not marked correctly, then you want to return to the examiners office and have it corrected. You don’t need a new examination, just have the card fixed to match your job.
My hsbnd has his CDL’s & medical card. He has type 2 diabetes – controlled by diet & medication (non-insulin) Trulicy & Metfomin. We can’t seem to get a correct answer as to what the acceptable rqrmnt’s are for the A1C readings in order to keep a medical card / cdls. We have been told by a Dr performing the medical card examines that it is 6.5 – the speicallist my hsbnd see’s is telling him 10.0. What is the correct total in order to pass & keep CDL’s ?
@Rebecca
No sugar in the urine, which means that the sugar levels are under control. CME’s do not need to do A1c’s, only determine if there is glycosuria.
The medical release from your doctor should explain that the condition is under control and how that control is being met.
The FMCSA Diabetes Exemption program originally came out with a requirement for A1c levels be between 7.0 and 10.0. This may still be a requirement for starting on the program for federally regulated drivers who are on insulin. One could assume that if one is above 10.0, a doctor could disqualify a driver and say they need to go on insulin, and then withhold their medical card.
If you are put on pending status with a medical examiner, do I have the right to go to a another medical examiner for a second opinion and not have to return to the first ?
How many day grace period do I have once my D.o.t. med card expires?
@jbrown007
Medical cards become invalid at midnight of the expiration date. There really is no grace period. You cannot drive on an expired medical card.
Depending in the State, after a period of time your license may be suspended or downgraded.
My medical certificate expires July 14 . Which day I can no longer operate commercial Vehicle July 13 , July 14 or July 15
@Mario
You cannot drive after midnight on July 14. That’s means no driving at 12:01am on July 15.
@Robin
Yes, if you disagree with the first examiner about something, then you have the right to go else where for as second opinion.
Thank you! That was my question also, lol. Thank you for answering!
What is the dot blood pressure reading for rehire and new hire
I have a car with a DOT number that i use for personal use as well. Does my girlfriend need a DOT medcard if she is driving it for personal use?
@Robert
Each state will be different on this issue. Check with your local drivers license department on this for a confirmation or denial with this question.
I was told I need a sleep test done by a company but did end up working but they only gave my a three month card but my new jib sent me for a dot physical an I got a 2year card do I still need to get a sleep test
@Eric
Nope.
I quit truck driving 2012. My medical card expired 2013. My driving license will expire February 2016. if I decide I want to drive a truck at a later date do I have to get a medical card before my license expires in February or can I just wait till I want to start truck driving again? I live in south Carolina.
@James
If you have not checked your drivers license lately, you may be driving on an invalid license already. Most states are requiring that you maintain a valid medical card to maintain a valid license. So check with the drivers license department first and let them tell you what you need to maintain your CDL.
Is the employer required to submit the DOT Physical to the State of Texas in order for an employee to keep their Class A license valid? Or is it the driver’s responsibility?
@Evan
Drivers responsibility. Some companies may do it for you, but it’s your cdl, not theirs. So the final responsibility falls to the driver.
I am a driver with a valid DOT medical card, but the FMCSA announces a 120-day grace to have the new format for 2016. Do I need to pay again my medical examination even though mine is valid for almost 10 more months?
@Juan
No, if you have a valid medical card, you are good to go.
The 120 day grace period is for the medical examiners to shift to the new forms. FMCSA wanted to get the forms out by last 12/22/15, but they were unable to get their stuff together, so they are now letting the NRCME doctors ease from the old forms to the new ones.
If I had a cdl and thay was suspended and I was driving for a company and thay gave me a dot random and I failed it does it go against me
@Jermayar
Just within the company as far as we know.
Andrew l. out of Colorado springs has a fake dot card his wife gave him a card but he can’t pass a dot physical how can u stop this
@ Bobby
If he is ever stopped by the DOT, he will be road side disqualified on the spot. DOT and the highway patrol do routine checks with the examiner to determine that the CME is on the NRCME registry. If you feel that the driver is unsafe, then let a highway patrolman know about it.
I have a torn labrum in my shoulder and a bulging disk in my neck from a workplace injury. I am at work but the orthopedic doctor has given me a work restriction not to lift more than 20 pounds and not to lift above the shoulders. The note from the orthopedic doctor actually states “OK to drive. OK to operate forklift.”
I went to renew my medical card today (expires in 2 weeks) and the physician said that she could not perform the physical until those work restrictions are lifted and that my current medical card is invalid while those restrictions are in place.
Is this true? And will my class A CDL (South Dakota) be downgraded when my card expires?
@Justin
Yes, any injury that took you from behind the wheel requires a new DOT physical to return to work.
Also, you must be able to perform the duties of a CMV operator before you will be classed as fit for duty. Y
ou might try getting a copy of your personal job description from work and take that in with you on the follow-up examination. Medical release in hand from your doctor too.